PCC visits Hearing Dogs for Deaf People's 35th Anniversary

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson
recently joined the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Anne
Underwood, at the 35th anniversary of Hearing Dogs for
Deaf People.

Hosted at St Martin's Church in central Birmingham, the
PCC was told how Hearing Dogs for Deaf People train
clever dogs to help deaf people with their everyday tasks. Their
job is to recognise simple souds that many people take for granted
like the doorbell, an alarm clock or danger signal like the fire
alarm. Being aware of these, thanks to a hearing dog, makes a real
difference to the lives of their owners.

Importantly, the clever canines do much more than alert their
owners to sounds; deafness can be a very isolating disability.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner said David
Jamieson said:

"From meeting some of the owners at the event it was touching to
hear how a dog can give someone a newfound sense of independence
and confidence when they have a loyal companion and a true friend
by their side."